E-Ink Watch Is Less Than 1MM Thick

How thin is the thinnest watch in the world? Just 0.80mm. Or at least it will be once Chicago based company, Central Standard Timing, funds and finishes the manufacturing stage of their debut product: the CST-01.

Central Standard Timing was founded by Dave Vondle and Jerry O’Leary, both also work as designers for the IDEO, the international design and innovation firm. According a company press release:

Central Standard Timing created a watch that uses materials, technologies and processes new to the wristwatch industry and showcases the most innovative qualities of E Ink SURF segmented displays; ultra thinness, readability, ruggedness, flexibility, and low power.

The patent-pending CST-01 is assembled by laminating thin, flexible components into a 0.5mm pocket etched into a single piece of flexible stainless steel, making it different than traditional digital watches which typically use the same form factor of an analog watch. An embedded Thinergy Micro-Energy Cell that charges in 10 minutes from an external dock, lasts for over a month and has a lifetime of 15 years, eliminates the hassle and expense of changing batteries. Keeping true to the locality of the Central Standard brand, all watches are planned to be assembled in the USA.

The unique properties of an E Ink display seem well suited to an update of the wristwatch. Likely to appeal to more traditional watch-wearers who are happy with simply knowing what time it is, and leaving the computing to the computers.

Unlike the new wave of smartwatches introduced over the past year an E Ink timepiece promises simplicity, durability, and efficiency. Powered by a Thinergy “Micro-Energy Cell” a full charge takes just 10 minutes and the CST-01 is expected to last a full month on a single charge. Central Standard Timing estimate that the watch will be able to last over 15 years.

Constructed of stainless steel and weighing only 12 grams, the CST-01 will be available in white or black. The high-contrast display uses a unique font called “CST-01 Numbers” designed by the creators, and the elegant charging base connects through a micro-USB cable into any standard USB port. When asked via email by PSFK for information on sizing for the watches Co-founder David Vondle explained:

We are in the process of prototyping sizes, so these are preliminary and may change as we continue. Our first sizing test is that we will have small, medium and large designations as follows:

Currently the company is looking for funding through a Kickstarter campaign which, at the time of this writing, has raised nearly $405,000—more than doubling the initial $200,000 goal—with 38 days left before the pledge period ends. Check out the product video below:

Visit the Central Standard Timing Kickstarter page for some more info, and be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below. Will you be an early backer for the CST-01, or would you prefer a few ‘smart’ features in your next timepiece?